Presyncope

Presyncope refers to the sensation of feeling faint or lightheaded without fully losing consciousness. It is often a symptom experienced by individuals with orthostatic hypotension. When standing up, blood may pool in the lower extremities, causing a temporary decrease in cerebral blood flow and resulting in presyncopal symptoms. These may include:

• Lightheadedness: A sensation of being close to fainting.
• Dizziness: Feeling unsteady or like the room is spinning.
• Blurred Vision: Difficulty seeing clearly, or experiencing visual disturbances.
• Generalized Weakness: A feeling of overall muscle weakness or a lack of strength.
• Palpitations: An awareness of the heartbeat feeling rapid, irregular, or unusually strong.
• Sweating: Unexplained or excessive sweating, often cold or clammy.
• Nausea: Feeling of queasiness or discomfort in the stomach.

Individuals who experience presyncope should take precautions to avoid falls or injuries by sitting or lying down until the sensation passes. If presyncopal episodes occur frequently, it is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology